If Gilchrist remains the slot cornerback, he’ll go against Wes Welker twice next season. Because the Broncos have other playmakers, whoever draws Welker may get infrequent help in coverage. The Broncos guaranteed $12 million to Welker believing he’ll win one-on-one encounters. He's made a career of doing just that.

“Having had to defend Wes for so many years, you learn to appreciate how tough a matchup he is,” Broncos coach John Fox said this week, in comments released by the team. “It’s hard to have one guy cover him.”

I think Gilchrist, 24, would be excited for the chance. He's an aggressive player, and a brave one who returned kicks and punts at Clemson. For what it’s worth, he had success against the Broncos last year by blitzing against Mike McCoy’s offense. The nexus of surface factors is favorable: second-round draft pick, 30 games of seasoning, seven starts, third season. This could be a defining year for Gilchrist. The Chargers may need him to arrive.